Overview The optimal surgical treatment of degenerative cervical spine disease that involves radiculopathy and/or myelopathy would be direct surgical removal of compressive pathology while preserving segmental motion. To achieve these…
Overview Occipitocervical (OC) instability affects a number of patients every year and is associated with significant morbidity. It is due to the lack of firm articulation between the occipital bone…
Overview Surgical access to the craniovertebral junction (CVJ) is challenging because of its deep, anatomically protected location and the diverse pathology involved in this region. Examples of lesions that involve…
Overview The optimal surgical treatment of degenerative cervical spine disease that involves radiculopathy and/or myelopathy would be direct surgical removal of compressive pathology while preserving segmental motion. To achieve these…
Overview An essential element to surgery of the spine is a thorough understanding of its anatomy and biomechanics. The cervical spine is part of the axial skeleton of the neck….
Surgical Anatomy of the Craniocervical Junction The craniocervical junction extends from the occipital bone to the second cervical vertebra. Understanding the surgical anatomy of the bony structures of the lower…
Overview The anatomic relationship at the craniovertebral junction (CVJ) is quite complex. The foramen magnum, the atlas, and the axis together comprise the CVJ and provide the anatomic anchor that…
Overview The indications for a posterior or far-lateral approach to the craniocervical junction (CCJ) are diverse and include craniocervical instability, neoplasm, trauma, and degenerative changes. This includes pathologies such as…
Overview Retropharyngeal approaches to the upper cervical spine are anterior approaches directed through the fascial planes of the neck. The main advantage of anterior approaches is the direct route to…
Overview A variety of surgical approaches have been developed for lesions located at the craniovertebral junction (CVJ). Access to the CVJ can be achieved via anterior, anterolateral, lateral, posterolateral, and…
